Marine Aviation Organization Structure
By Col. John J. Caldas, U.S. Marine Corp Retired.
The structure of Marine Aviation is as follows: we have fixed wing, rotary wing Groups, and squadrons. The fixed wing squadrons are designated V(heavier than air), M (Marine), F(fighter), A(attack), R(Transport), Q(ECM) and T(Training). Aircraft Squadrons VMA-211 Marine Attack Squadron 211 (Harrier) VMGR-252 Marine Transport Squadron (Also refueling - C-130s) VMFA- 312 Marine Fighter Attack squadron VMAQ- 2 - Marine Electronic Countermeasure Squadron 2 (EA-6) VMT-201 - Marine Training Squadron 201 or VMFT- Fighter Training Sqa. Marine Helo units are designated H (Helo/Rotary) Support Squadrons/headquarters Sqs/Maintenance Squadrons/etc; All of Marine Aviation units are task organized. For example, the Marine Expeditionary Unit could contain elements of a Harrier (VMA) squadron, medium helicopters (HMM-CH-46's), Heavy Lift Helos (HMH- CH-53's), plus the admin and maint support they would need while deployed with the Amphibs aboard an LHA/LPD, etc. |